Reader's Comments

5 Stars Wonderful 07/24/2006 Reviewer: Paula

I just love this book, I hope there is a sequel to it? When I got the book I couldn't put it down, I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I thank the author for sharing such a wonderful story, I'm going to let my daughter read it, and I know she's going to love it.

By all means, the best book I have read since the last Clive Cussler. A hauntingly poignent story about a young woman, the Civil War, a desperate search, her namesaked great-grandmother, time travel, her physician husband and a spiritual journey that compels you to keep turning page after page, and the paradox that is solved in the end...or is it?

5 Stars Slocum Road 08/12/2006 Reviewer: Maryann Rigby

WOW!!! and double WOW! Your book is great. I was sad when I finished reading it because I wanted to read more and more of it. The recipe at the end was a real treat. I'm glad you left the ending open. When is the sequel coming out?

5 Stars Like taking a warm bath... 09/14/2006 Reviewer: S.E. Land

I loved it. This is a rainy-day, dog-at-your-feet, cup of cocoa kind of book. Start reading it early – because before you know it, time will have slipped by and if you’re like me, you’ll have problems getting up for work the next day. It’s a suspenseful story with goose-bumpy elements like time travel, psychic abilities and all the synergies of events that lead up to Lottie’s ultimate discovery of what’s been bothering her all these years – but at the same time, the story is about real people with real issues that we all grapple with. Love, loss, rejection, confusion, jealousy, illness. The House on Slocum Road is suitable for anyone; I’m sharing my copy with my mother. No violence for violence’s sake, foul language, or thoughtless cruelty, and the value placed on family, friendship and fidelity make it a good choice for readers tired of flash-and-no-substance stories. And, the ending looks promising for a sequel!

4 Stars A Treat in Store 11/13/2006 Reviewer: Judith

The House on Slocum Road is at once the story of a (somewhat reluctant) present day heroine, and an eventful trip back into a long-ago time. Lottie Winslow has fought a silent battle for most of her life against frightening memories, visions and dreams. Even though it threatens to destroy her present “American Dream” life, she finally decides to surrender to the nagging force within her, and keep a "date with destiny". I was amazed at how Dahris Clair manages to alternate between the 1800’s and the present day with surprising skill and ease. If the reader is able to suspend reality for just a short while, a treat is in store, especially for Civil War history devotees. This was a thoroughly enjoyable book, and refreshingly, a clean read. I hope to hear more from Dahris Clair.

5 Stars An Awesome Page Turner! 03/19/2007 Reviewer: Katie

"The House on Slocum Road" is, by far, one of the best works of fiction I've read to date! The pages literally turned themselves. From the first page I was hooked & I even had trouble forcing myself to stop reading & go to bed (smile) - it is that good! This story surrounds a woman named Lottie Slocum who, after recently being diagnosed as diabetic, begins having odd/frightening dreams - someone is beckoning her to another time, but who? and why? At the same time, she also begins having visions where she's able to see events before they happen - yet her husband (with whom she has a beautiful & close relationship with) doesn't believe her - or worse yet, he thinks she's beginning to lose her mind. The answers to what is going on lie in Lottie's vacation home - a house that has been in her family for many, many generations. While searching for these answers, you get to follow Lottie on her journey to self-discovery & acceptance of her psychic "powers" - and what a journey it is! Through hidden journals re: her ancestor's Civil War experience & actually travelling back in time, Lottie finds her answers - & they are both shocking & wonderful at the same time. I don't want to give too much of the story away - so I'm going to leave it at that. This is a beatifully written & researched book. In fact, there were times when I actually lost myself in the storyline - able to visualize in my mind the events as they unfolded. There are so many twists & turns that's difficult not to get caught up in this book! Overall, I HIGHLY reccommend "The House on Slocum Road" to anyone who enjoys paranormal suspense/mystery books. It's truly an awesome read!

5 Stars Echoes Of The Past 05/15/2007 Reviewer: Kathryn Van Heyningen

“THE HOUSE ON SLOCUM ROAD,” by Dahris Clair, is a must read for lovers of the esoteric. The title and cover perfectly encapsulate the mysterious aura of this tale of the supernatural, reincarnation, and time travel. The protagonist, nurse Lottie Winslow, is propelled backward in time after her curiosity prompts her to search family records and photos. The discovery of an ancestor’s chronicles of the Civil War, including the Battles of Bull Run and Antietam, add extra depth to the story. Lottie becomes obsessed with digging through her past in search of familial connection despite her strait-laced husband’s objections. Her reward is an encounter of the ghostly kind. The image entices her to “Come home.” Though at first she discounts the vision as low blood sugar, she learns otherwise. When a violent storm assaults the old house, Lottie seeks refuge in her great, great grandmother’s bed. She awakens to a different world where she meets Caroline Patterson, best friend of the first Lottie. As a team, the two experience and treat unexpected medical emergencies without benefit of modern medication or technology. The author has done a creditable job of historical research of the Civil War period and subsequent years. The story, set in the Adirondacks, exudes warmth and gentility. Ms. Clair cooks up a tasty mystery and ends on a positive note with the inclusion of an old family recipe for Cinnamon Walnut Scones. Yummy! Kathryn van Heyningen, author of The Whitebridge Web" http://kathrynvanheyningen.com

D.H. Clair's "The House on Slocum Road" has so many twists and turns you won't want to put it down for a moment in fear of losing track of the story. The author has successfully created a labyrinth of characters and a storyline that are strung together and wrapped around the novel's heroine - Lottie Winslow. You will fall in love with Lottie at the get-go, and at first you'll be impatient when the story veers away from her temporarily, but never fear, when it comes back, you're in for a ride. Ms. Clair's clever weave begins to strengthen about a fourth of the way into the book and doesn't let go of the reader till the end. The story is jam-packed with scenes of the personal effects of the civil war between the North and South: of Lottie's family then, and of Lottie's family in the present. At first it feels as if two stories are running parallel, but in a different manner than what you would expect. Ms. Clair has written a drama, a tragedy, a romance, a para-normal - all rolled into one, and her comedic sense shines through in Lottie's dialogue in Part Two. You will be intrigued, surprised, and will experience a satisfying read in "The House on Slocum Road." I certainly did. I recommend it highly. Rebecca Randolph Buckley Wizards of Words - National Writers' Organization Rebecca Buckley, CEO www.rjbuckleypublishing.com

The House On Slocum Road is all encompassing. It's well written, well researched, timely, and entices the reader into the story on page one. Yet, it's one of those books which tends to slow the reader down as the end approaches in the hopes that it will go on. I found it especially endearing as the tenets often referred to as 'paranormal' are, to me, quite normal. I found myself relating to Lottie and wanting to embrace her. Susan C. Haley, Author "Rainy Day People"

5 Stars A page turner 06/14/2007 Reviewer: Randi Odierno

This riveting story is also wonderfully readable. It centers around Lottie Slocum, a young woman with the capability of knowing things before they happen. Severely injured in the crash that orphaned her, Lottie suffers from retrograde amnesia. Her memory never came back, but the dreams and visions did. Twenty-five years later, the visions have resurfaced along with a persistent, repetitive dream she can't explain. Lottie is consumed with an irrepressible desire to connect with her roots and believes her ancestral home, the house on Slocum Road, holds the key. Frustrated by her husband's inability to accept her gift, she vows to "go it alone," despite the stumbling blocks along the way. This is also a story rich in history. of love and fidelity and one of enduring and timeless friendship. With uncanny flair, DH Clair transports her readers from the present to a well researched 1886 through a variety of twists that keep one turning the pages! Randi Odierno

D.H. Clair's "The House on Slocum Road" has so many twists and turns you won't want to put it down for a moment in fear of losing track of the story. The author has successfully created a labyrinth of characters and a storyline that are strung together and wrapped around the novel's heroine - Lottie Winslow. You will fall in love with Lottie at the get-go, and at first you'll be impatient when the story veers away from her temporarily, but never fear, when it comes back, you're in for a ride. Ms. Clair's clever weave begins to strengthen about a fourth of the way into the book and doesn't let go of the reader till the end. The story is jam-packed with scenes of the personal effects of the civil war between the North and South: of Lottie's family then, and of Lottie's family in the present. At first it feels as if two stories are running parallel, but in a different manner than what you would expect. Ms. Clair has written a drama, a tragedy, a romance, a para-normal - all rolled into one, and her comedic sense shines through in Lottie's dialogue in Part Two. You will be intrigued, surprised, and will experience a satisfying read in "The House on Slocum Road." I certainly did. I recommend it highly. Rebecca Buckley, CFO/Founder - WIZARDS OF WORDS. www.wizardsofwords.org

I can't imagine any reader NOT enjoying this book! Clair shifts us effortlessly from 21st century to Civil War vintage events, from psychic phenomenon and out of body experiences to the cozy warmth of a family with cherished values, who support and care deeply for one another. Yet the pieces flow together as smoothly as a gentle stream on a breezeless day. Beautifully written, seamlessly crafted, The House on Slocum Road keeps the reader involved from beginning right through until that final page is turned. Lois W. Stern Author of: SEX, LIES AND COSMETIC SURGERY and TICK TOCK, STOP THE CLOCK

The protagonist, i search of familial connection, is propelled backkward in time to the Civil War period. The discovery of an ancestor's chronicles including the Battles of Bull Run and Antietam, add extra deph to the story.

Obsessed with digging through her past, she is rewarded with an encounter of the ghostly kind. The image entices her to "Come home." When a violent storm assaults the old house, the protagonist seeks rfuge in her great grandmother's bed. When she awakens, it is to a different world and new people.

The author has done a creditable job of historical research of the Civil War period. Set in the Adirondacks, the story exudes warmth and gentility.

Ms. Clair cooks up a tasty mystery and ends on a positive note with the inclusion of an old amily recipe for Cinnamon Walnut Scones. Yummy!

Kathryn van Heyningen

author of "The Whitebridge Web"
Comment| 2 people found this helpful.

4.0 out of 5 stars The House on Slocum Road
By Joan Vander Putten on May 12, 2011Format: Paperback
This story captured my imagination and interest from page one. It was like reading two books at once -- the flashbacks to the Civil War period and the characters the author created there are just as wonderful, realistic and interesting as her main characters. It's a book that's well written, presenting family ties and ancestral lives in a way that makes them come alive and wish that they were yours! Ms Clair's writing is reminiscent of a gentler time, one that brings home the values of love, friendship, faith and hope. I'm so pleased with this book that I'm passing it on to my friends and family.

STORY BRIEF:
Lottie Winslow used to be an OR nurse until she married Dr. Paul Winslow, the man of her dreams. Kind, gentle and understanding, she spends her time doing volunteer work, fundraising for Paul's clinic and managing her newly diagnosed illness: diabetes. At night, she dreams of things that make little sense, things that point her in the direction of the Slocum estate, the house that has been in her family for two hundred years.

Her husband loves her deeply but worries of Lottie's seemingly unnatural obsession while Lottie secretly wonders whether she's suffering from the ill effects of her illness or she's simply going insane. She knows things before they happen; sees things that aren't really there until she discovers a hidden room while visiting the family home and finds evidence that the woman who has appeared in her `imagination' did exist. Now she's intrigued, particularly when she also finds a series of diaries dating back to the Civil War that gives insight from varying points of view of her family's unique history.

While Lottie oversees a charity ball, things begin to heat up. As she finds herself more and more embedded in the past and the life of a Union Soldier, she navigates the present, including the declining health of her beloved uncle. In the midst, a startling revelation is unveiled - the traumatic childhood event, long buried in her mind, that took her parents' lives. With that comes the unexpected encounter with a psychic that propels her to follow her heart and embrace the echoes of a past that bridges then and now. On her quest for answers to her mind's questions, Lottie ends up not only uncovering a few more startling revelations but `living through' her family's historic beginnings.

REVIEWER'S OPINION:
This was a very engaging read. The author tells a good story with strong characters that you either love or hate. The book is intriguing because it inter-splices Lottie's present-day life and the series of conflicts she faces with herself, her colleagues and her husband with a strong male character in the midst of the his own battle of conscience as a Union soldier, who enlisted against his wealthy father's wishes and a young woman who will end up showing her things she never thought possible.

The paranormal element is credible without being cliché and the historic references are intriguing. I enjoyed the bond between Lottie and Paul, even in the midst of their arguments. The author did a great job capturing the elements of isolation that Lottie felt with her gift as well as with her illness. The descriptive elements drew me in moment one. My heart pounded threw some scenes and though I am not one of much sentiment (I'm from NY, it comes natural), tears did well at some very poignant moments. My only criticism was that I felt the author could have made Paul, Lottie's husband, a tad bit stronger in his character development. I felt he was supportive but in some instances, somewhat weak especially during his encounter with an ex-girlfriend.

Overall, it was a nice escape, a strong stew of suspense, action, conflict and romance. Perfect for a lazy weekend in front of a fire or on the beach, it, in my opinion, was a worthwhile purchase which I would happily read it again.

BEST LINE
"Ferris wondered why they called it a Civil War when there was nothing civil about it."
Comment| One person found this helpful.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great entertainment!
By Randi Odierno on November 7, 2006Format: Paperback
This riveting story is also wonderfully readable. It centers around Lottie Slocum, a young woman with the capability of knowing things before they happen. Severely injured in the crash that orphaned her, Lottie suffers from retrograde amnesia. Her memory never came back, but the dreams and visions did. Twenty-five years later, the visions have resurfaced along with a persistent, repetitive dream she can't explain. Lottie is consumed with an irrepressible desire to connect with her roots and believes her ancestral home, the house on Slocum Road, holds the key. Frustrated by her husband's inability to accept her gift, she vows to "go it alone," despite the stumbling blocks along the way. This is also a story rich in history. of love and fidelity and one of enduring and timeless friendship. With uncanny flair, DH Clair transports her readers from the present to a well researched 1886 through a variety of twists that keep one turning the pages!
Comment| One person found this helpful.

4.0 out of 5 stars Echoes of the past
By Russ Heitz on July 31, 2007Format: Paperback
It all started with a warning from a carnival gypsy many years ago: a little girl named Lottie Winslow has a gift; she can look into the future. As years passed, this prediction was pooh-poohed by most of the girl's family. But the prediction was true nonetheless. And many facets of this gift were revealed through mysterious happenings that occurred in and around an old family home in Sacandaga, New York.

A letter edged in black, with blood dripping from a corner. Screeching tires as a car careened out of control. Dreams and nightmares that never seemed to go away.

This is not, however, a horror story. Nor is it a story about fantasies and mental aberrtions. Far from it. This is a story of multi-generational family love and warmth as seen through Lottie's eyes, emotions and experiences. Her story includes gentle reminiscences, a persistent resilience, and the kind of resolutness that all can admire. Her life is also spiced with strange occurrences, vague impressions, and haunting visions.

Throughout this book, D. H. Clair provides sketches of the past and the present that are both authentic and colorful. Historical accounts of the Civil War era are blended with the blunt realism of everyday life today. Sensitive descriptions of the natural world are juxtaposed with the harshness of accidents and medical emergencies. The mysteries, however, are still there--in the center of it all. So, too, are the mystical, psychical parts of life that many readers have experienced in their own lives at one time or another.

All of these threads are woven together with skill and tenderness by the author. This is the kind of book that can warm you on a snowy afternoon or cool you on a sweltering August hammock day.

Russ Heitz
russheitz.com
myspace.com/russheitz

5.0 out of 5 stars An Awesome Page Turner!
By Katie on March 18, 2007Format: Paperback
"The House on Slocum Road" is, by far, one of the best works of fiction I've read to date! The pages literally turned themselves. From the first page I was hooked & I even had trouble forcing myself to stop reading & go to bed (smile) - it is that good!

This story surrounds a woman named Lottie Slocum who, after recently being diagnosed as diabetic, begins having odd/frightening dreams - someone is beckoning her to another time, but who? and why? At the same time, she also begins having visions where she's able to see events before they happen - yet her husband (with whom she has a beautiful & close relationship with) doesn't believe her - or worse yet, he thinks she's beginning to lose her mind.

The answers to what is going on lie in Lottie's vacation home - a house that has been in her family for many, many generations. While searching for these answers, you get to follow Lottie on her journey to self-discovery & acceptance of her psychic "powers" - and what a journey it is! Through hidden journals re: her ancestor's Civil War experience & actually travelling back in time, Lottie finds her answers - & they are both shocking & wonderful at the same time. I don't want to give too much of the story away - so I'm going to leave it at that.

This is a beatifully written & researched book. In fact, there were times when I actually lost myself in the storyline - able to visualize in my mind the events as they unfolded. There are so many twists & turns that's difficult not to get caught up in this book.

Overall, I HIGHLY reccommend "The House on Slocum Road" to anyone who enjoys paranormal suspense/mystery books. It's truly an awesome read!

5.0 out of 5 stars A Satisfying Read
By Rebecca Randolph Buckley on June 12, 2007Format: Paperback
D.H. Clair's "The House on Slocum Road" has so many twists and turns you won't want to put it down for a moment in fear of losing track of the story. The author has successfully created a labyrinth of characters and a storyline that are strung together and wrapped around the novel's heroine - Lottie Winslow. You will fall in love with Lottie at the get-go, and at first you'll be impatient when the story veers away from her temporarily, but never fear, when it comes back, you're in for a ride. Ms. Clair's clever weave begins to strengthen about a fourth of the way into the book and doesn't let go of the reader till the end.

The story is jam-packed with scenes of the personal effects of the civil war between the North and South: of Lottie's family then, and of Lottie's family in the present. At first it feels as if two stories are running parallel, but in a different manner than what you would expect.

Ms. Clair has written a drama, a tragedy, a romance, a para-normal - all rolled into one, and her comedic sense shines through in Lottie's dialogue in Part Two. You will be intrigued, surprised, and will experience a satisfying read in "The House on Slocum Road." I certainly did.

I recommend it highly.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Spellbinding Story
By Lois W. Stern on December 27, 2008Format: Paperback
I can't imagine any reader NOT enjoying this book! Clair shifts us effortlessly from 21st century to Civil War vintage events, from psychic phenomenon and out of body experiences to the cozy warmth of a family with cherished values, who support and care deeply for one another. Yet the pieces flow together as smoothly as a gentle stream on a breezeless day. Beautifully written, seamlessly crafted, The House on Slocum Road keeps the reader involved from beginning right through until that final page is turned.

5.0 out of 5 stars A mystery of lost memories
By Carol McMillan on July 13, 2011Format: Paperback
This book is a page-turning mystery. It is a story of present relationships and a puzzling lost memory with an unrelenting quest for answers. This is a story of love, determination, loyalty, and the power of the mind to determine behavior. Dahris Clair is a master of blending relatives of the past with present struggles. She displays a knowledge of the Civil War tragedy. She understands the complications of present relationships. Putting this all together in one book is a major accomplishment.

Carol McMillan MS., writer and psychotherapist

5.0 out of 5 stars Sensitive and Thought Provoking
By Susan Haley on November 25, 2006Format: Paperback
The House On Slocum Road is encompassing. It's well written, well researched, timely, and entices the reader into the story on page one. Yet, it's one of those books which tends to slow the reader down as the end approaches in the hopes that it will go on. I found it especially endearing as the tenets often referred to as 'paranormal' are, to me, quite normal. I found myself relating to Lottie and wanting to embrace her.

Susan C. Haley, Author

"Rainy Day People

"Fibers In The Web"

5.0 out of 5 stars A Paranormal Suspense Which Enlightens a Heart!
By The One and Only on August 14, 2007Format: Paperback
When people read a great book they want to escape from reality and go somewhere else. Author Dahris Clair invites a reader into a cozy home setting which keeps one glued in literary creativity of a story that whisks one away from stress of daily woes to enjoy a beautifully written tale. With eloquent descriptions of history and nature, The House on Slocum Road-Echoes of the Past, is an incredible journey taken with her heroine, Lottie Slocum, who comes to terms with her own life and the gifts that she has to offer. I loved Lottie and the way that this story reflects on the remarkable talent of this notable author. Dahris Clair writes with a loving spirit that captures the heart of the reader as to where one never wants the story to end. Thank goodness for authors as D.H. Clair. What a blessing it is to have her as an author in our world.
Fellow Author D'Maria Scaglione
Comment| One person found this helpful.